UTSAV – #FeedIndia drive for Dabbawallas and TV Industry support staff hosted by Chef Vikas Khanna

~ The #FeedIndia drive has successfully provided 2 million meals for dabbawalas and TV industry support staffers.

The initiative, hosted by Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna and curated by Maximus Collabs, was graced by U.S. Consul General David J. Ranz along with his wife Taly Lind and other dignitaries. The distributed rations will support 3000 dabbawala families and 2000 TV support staff through the participation of Sushant Singh, Ex- General Secretary – CINTAA

The event was hosted by Hyatt Regency, Mumbai, on 26th June, 2020. Participants included key dignitaries from the dabbawallas and film & TV fraternity who have taken responsibility for distributing the rations on behalf of the community. TV Actor Sushant Singh, Ex-General Secretary, CINTAA was present at the event on behalf of the community.

He was also joined by Rahul Mahajan and other dignitaries, including Vishal Gondal, and Hardip Marwah, GM – Hyatt Regency, Mumbai. Various brands like Haldiram, Tata salt, India Gate Foods, Bisleri, Nuskin Foundation, Granules and Beans, Bakersville, Puramate, Nine, Hyatt Regency -Mumbai, Goqii, Granny’s masala also came forward to support the initiative on behalf of the 5000 beneficiary families.

U.S. Consul General Ranz said, “It gives me great pleasure to highlight a campaign that has brought food and other critical supplies to so many Indians during this difficult time. Chef Vikas Khanna’s #FeedIndia initiative is a strong show of solidarity with thousands of families in need, and reflects an important asset in the global effort to overcome this pandemic: U.S.-India partnerships built through enduring personal connections between the citizens of both countries.”

Chef Vikas Khanna said, “FeedIndia has come a long way from where we began ….no journey is memorable unless you are joined by like-minded people. I am extremely thankful to Consul General for pulling out time for this initiative, Hyatt Regency Mumbai for being the perfect venue for this drive, Sushant Singh for being there and helping us reach far and wide to all in need in the TV industry, Dabbawala who inspired us to do UTSAV and last but not the least all the brands which believed in the cause and have always backed us with their unconditional support”

Sushant Singh, Ex-General Secretary, CINTAA, said, “We are thankful to Chef Vikas Khanna for supporting TV support staff in these tough times. This is a great initiative and we wish Vikas Khanna good luck in all his endeavors and thank all the partners who have joined hands to make UTSAV a true celebration of the spirit of Mumbai .”

Speaking on the occasion, Ulhas Shantaram Muke, President – Dabbawala Association said, “We are extremely thankful to Chef Vikas Khanna for thinking about us in these difficult times …I thank you all on behalf of the Dabbawala community for this kind gesture .”

It all started with the #FeedIndia initiative started by Chef Vikas Khanna in the month of April. Since then, The Michelin star chef has been distributing meals and food kits to more than 17 million meals across 135 cities including Varanasi, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai amongst others.

Hardip Marwah, General Manager, Hyatt Regency, Mumbai, said, “We are extremely honored and thankful to Chef Vikas Khanna for asking us to partner with him in UTSAV – A #FeedIndia Initiative benefitting the Dabbawalas and TV support staff in Mumbai. Dabbawalas are the lifeline of Mumbai, delivering food to thousands of people through rain or shine. In these unprecedented times, where their livelihood has evaporated, it is our turn to support them. At Hyatt, care and empathy are second nature to us and drives every initiative we are part of. Chef Vikas’ UTSAV resonates with our ethos of Advancing Care, and Hyatt Regency Mumbai is proud to be the venue partner and support Chef Vikas and #FeedIndia.”